The news story is based on a press release from the National Park Service, which was issued on July 6, 2023. You can read the original release here. August events at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park in Hawaii include various activities such as a fee-free day (August 4 is a fee-free day for all fee-charging national parks in the U.S.!) , a specialized hike for seniors, Hawaiian cultural events, After Dark in the Park performances, a concert, and opportunities to participate in rainforest restoration. Make sure to mark your calendars for these unique August events.
All events are free of charge, but some entrance fees may still apply. Some programs are sponsored by the Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park and Hawai’i Pacific Parks Association. Please note that programs are subject to change or cancellation without prior notice. For more detailed information, it is advisable to check the park website calendar.
National Park Free Day!
To celebrate the anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act, a fee-free day will be observed. This act was established to safeguard vital resources, enhance recreational opportunities, and prioritize sustainable operations in national parks across the United States. At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the funds from the Great American Outdoors Act will be utilized to restore the aging water system and approximately 40 miles of protective perimeter fencing that preserves the native biodiversity. Entrance fees will be waived in all fee-charging national parks nationwide to commemorate this anniversary.
When: All day on Friday, August 4
Where: All fee-charging national parks in the U.S.
History of Hawaiian Quilting
Witness a Kapa Kuiki (Hawaiian Quilting) Demonstration, where you can delve into the history of Hawaiian quilting. This art form emerged among Hawaiians after the arrival of missionaries in the early 1800s. Over time, the art evolved, and the quilt patterns drew inspiration from birds, plants, and shadows on the ground. Join Cyndy Martinez as she shares her expertise in the exquisite art of kapa kuiki, also known as Hawaiian quilting. This demonstration is part of the ongoing ‘Ike Hana Noʻeau (Experience the Skillful Work) Hawaiian cultural programs at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, co-sponsored by the Hawai’i Pacific Parks Association and the Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The event is free, but regular park entrance fees apply.
When: From 10 a.m. to noon on Wednesday, August 9
Where: ʻŌhiʻa Wing (across Crater Rim Drive from Kīlauea Visitor Center)
Special Presentation by Author John Dvorak
Immerse yourself in a special presentation titled “How the Mountains Grew: A New Geological History of North America” by renowned author John Dvorak. Dvorak, known for his acclaimed works such as Earthquake Storms, The Last Volcano, and Mask of the Sun, takes us on a geological odyssey in his latest book, How the Mountains Grew. Join this program as the author connects the dots and explores beyond the concept of plate tectonics. Whether you are a serious scientist or simply an armchair geologist, this program promises to be an enjoyable experience. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the Hawaii Pacific Parks Association Gift Shop in the evening of the program. This presentation is part of the ongoing After Dark in the Park programs at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. The event is free, but regular park entrance fees apply.
When: Tuesday, August 8 at 7 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
Live Musical Performance by Kiliona Young
Experience a captivating live musical performance by Kiliona Young, a talented multi-genre musician and songwriter hailing from ʻŌlaʻa on Hawaiʻi Island. Through his music, Kiliona Young tells stories of love, hope, struggle, and truth, blending diverse rhythms and melodies from traditional Hawaiian music, reggae, blues, hip hop, and soul. Kiliona has collaborated with notable artists such as Pō & the 4fathers, the Kuahiwis, and Moemoeā, among others. This musical performance is part of the ongoing Nā Leo Manu Hawaiian cultural programs at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, co-sponsored by the Hawai’i Pacific Parks Association. The event is free, but regular park entrance fees apply.
When: From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 16. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium.
Bee Conscious Coffee Talk
Join Alison Yahna, an organic gardener, permaculturalist, and beekeeper, for an engaging Bee Conscious Coffee Talk. With over 30 years of experience as an educator, Alison holds a Master’s degree in teaching and has a particular focus on bees and environmental issues. Learn from this “bee whisperer” about honeybees, their crucial role in sustaining life on Earth, the challenges they face, and how to support them.
When: Saturday, August 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Kahuku Visitor Contact Station
Free Ranger-Guided Summit Walk Exclusively for Older Adults
In celebration of National Senior Citizens Day proclaimed by former President Ronald Reagan in 1988, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will offer a free ranger-guided summit walk exclusively for older adults. This walk spans one-and-a-half miles, starting and ending at Kīlauea Visitor Center. The route crosses Crater Rim Drive to Kūpinaʻi Pali and then doubles back to Crater Rim Trail near Volcano House. Participants should come prepared for various weather conditions and bring essential items such as a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a rain jacket. Walking sticks are welcome. The walk is limited to the first 40 people. For inquiries, please call (808) 985-6018.
When: Monday, August 21 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Meet the rangers at the flagpole in front of Kīlauea Visitor Center
After Dark in the Park program: Living History Play, “Nani O Kahuku,”
Step back in time with the one-woman living history play, “Nani O Kahuku,” which brings to life a day at the historic Kahuku Ranch. Adapted by Jackie Pualani-Johnson directly from the diary of Hannah (Nani) Piʻilani Jones, the play brilliantly portrays Nani, the eleventh and second-to-youngest child of George W.C. Jones, who owned Kahuku Ranch from 1871 to 1887. This captivating performance is part of the ongoing After Dark in the Park programs at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, co-sponsored by the Friends of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. The event is free, but regular park entrance fees apply.
When: Tuesday, August 29 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Where: Kīlauea Visitor Center auditorium
Explore a Hidden Gem: Kahuku Unit
Explore the hidden gem of the Kahuku Unit, open from Thursday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. This unit, tucked away within Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, offers a range of guided ranger programs and talks on weekends. For more information, check the park calendar. Make sure to wear sturdy footwear and come prepared with water, rain gear, sun protection, and a snack for any hiking activities.
When: Thursday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Kahuku is situated in Kaʻū, approximately a 50-minute drive south of the main entrance of the park. To access Kahuku, take the mauka (inland) side of Highway 11 near mile
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Credit for feature image: NPS Photo/J.Wei